The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring thousands of social housing tenants benefit from reduced power bills thanks to improved energy efficiency of social housing properties.
Delivered under the most recent Budget, the Social Housing Energy Efficiency Program will support a range of cost-effective energy efficiency upgrades for 35,000 public, community and Aboriginal housing properties and install reverse cycle air conditioning in the north and west of the state where they are needed most, an official press release said.
Air conditioning will be installed in up to 2,000 properties in the Mildura, Swan Hill, Hindmarsh, Yarriambiack, Buloke, Gannawarra, Campaspe, Moira and Greater Shepparton local government areas, along with draught sealing and ceiling insulation where required. With work already underway, around 500 of the air conditioning units will be installed by the end of June 2021.
Homes receiving energy efficiency upgrades will be prioritised based on a combination of factors, including the existing condition of the home, opportunities for appliance replacement, renter circumstances and susceptibility to temperature extremes.
The $112 million Social Housing Energy Efficiency Program is part of the Labor Government’s $797 million investment helping Victorians cover the cost of their power bills and make homes more energy efficient. As the largest household energy efficiency program in any state’s history, the package will create thousands of jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
This program is in addition to the Government’s work to ensure more Victorians have the security and stability of a home, with Victoria’s—and Australia’s—biggest ever investment in public and community housing.
The $5.3 billion Big Housing Build will see more than 12,000 new homes constructed throughout metro and regional Victoria, supporting around 10,000 jobs per year over the next four years.
All new Big Housing Build homes will meet 7-star energy efficiency standards, making them more comfortable during summer and winter, and saving tenants on their power bills.
Minister for Housing Richard Wynne said, “We’re ensuring social housing properties are cooler in summer and warmer in winter, helping to protect the health of local residents.”
“We know that energy costs are affecting Victorians, especially our most vulnerable—these upgrades will reduce costs for residents while making their homes more comfortable year-round.”
Minister for Environment Lily D’Ambrosio added, “We’re helping those struggling to pay their bills and making homes across the state more energy efficient. Our energy efficiency measures are helping Victorians—from vulnerable households to big businesses – all while delivering a fairer energy sector that is kinder to our environment.”
Follow The Indian Sun on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Donate To The Indian Sun
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun is an independent organisation committed to community journalism. We have, through the years, been able to reach a wide audience especially with the growth of social media, where we also have a strong presence. With platforms such as YouTube videos, we have been able to engage in different forms of storytelling. However, the past few years, like many media organisations around the world, it has not been an easy path. We have a greater challenge. We believe community journalism is very important for a multicultural country like Australia. We’re not able to do everything, but we aim for some of the most interesting stories and journalism of quality. We call upon readers like you to support us and make any contribution. Do make a DONATION NOW so we can continue with the volume and quality journalism that we are able to practice.
Thank you for your support.
Best wishes,
Team The Indian Sun
